Chapter 9: Codes and Caution

"Eva Monroe's Point Of View''

I wrapped the scarf snugly around my neck, pulled my sunglasses down over my nose, and made my way through the hospital’s side entrance. The fluorescent lights buzzed above me, flickering like they were trying to send a message. My boots squeaked against the shiny floor as I hurried along, keeping my head down, my heart pounding so loudly it drowned out everything else.

I really shouldn’t be here.

Security cameras were everywhere, but I kept to the blind spots I’d memorized from the blueprints Cassian once left open on his office screen. I was aware of how paranoid he was about surveillance; I just hadn’t realized I would be the one sneaking past it.

The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped inside. Fourth floor—Liam’s floor.

My burner phone buzzed in my coat pocket, prompting me to duck into a linen closet across the hallway before answering.

“Eva?” Liam’s voice crackled on the line. Tired. Faint. But his.

Tears welled up in my eyes. “Hey, you silly goose,” I murmured, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. “Didn’t I tell you to take it easy?”

A dry chuckle escaped, followed by a cough. I tightened my fist as I listened.

“I’m trying. The doctor says... it’s getting worse.”

I closed my eyes. “What do you mean?”

A pause. “He said... if we don’t move forward with the transplant soon... my liver’s going to clock out.”

My chest tightened. “How soon is soon?”

“He gave me... two weeks. Maybe less. Said my numbers dropped fast this week.”

No.

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. I was holding onto hope like it was a lifeline—thinking maybe we still had a chance. Perhaps the contract with Cassian would give me the leverage I needed. But Liam’s body wasn’t going to wait for anyone’s deal.

“I’ll find a way,” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. “Just hang in there, okay?”

“Eva, no. Don’t—don’t do anything stupid. I know you’re... mixed up in something. He spoke as if he was struggling to get the words out, almost like they were stuck between his teeth. “Just promise me you won’t get hurt, okay?” You’re all I’ve got.”

I bit down hard on my tongue.

I didn’t promise him.

I could barely recall how I made it back to the mansion. Everything felt like a blur—the subway ride, the taxi, and the haunting echo of Liam’s voice replaying in my mind. His fear. His dwindling strength. The precious time I thought I had slipped away.

As soon as the heavy front doors clicked shut behind me, I sprang into action.

Upstairs, I flung open drawers and crammed my clothes into a duffel bag. I didn’t stop to think about it. Didn’t stop to calculate. I just moved.

The contract was over. Let Cassian sue me. Let him ruin me.

Let him try.

My brother needed me far more than any twisted setup based on control, secrets, and a smile that always seemed to hide something sharp behind it.

I reached under the bed and pulled out the emergency envelope I’d tucked away weeks ago—cash, my passport, Liam’s hospital file—and zipped the bag shut.

I threw it over my shoulder and made my way to the hallway.

I had barely taken three steps when his voice cut through the quiet.

“Going somewhere?”

I froze.

Cassian leaned casually against the wall at the end of the hall, one shoulder propped up while his arms were crossed over his chest. His tie hung loosely, and the sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, giving him a relaxed vibe. His gaze? Ice. Pure, calculating ice.

I tightened my grip on the duffel. “Move.”

He didn’t.

Instead, he pushed away from the wall and took a step closer. Every movement was slow and intentional, almost as if he was giving me a moment to gather my thoughts.

Time to lie.

“I said move,” I repeated, louder this time.

“Eva.” His tone was almost... amused. “You went to the hospital today.”

My blood ran cold.

He knew.

He always knew.

He reached into his pocket, pulled out my burner phone, and held it up between two fingers like a toy. “This isn’t one of mine.”

I stared at it. The only explanation was... he must have traced it. Or picked it from my coat when I came in.

“Give it back,” I said quietly.

“You thought you were being clever.” He stepped even closer, voice dipping.

“Sunglasses, scarf. Skipping the front entrance. Using a device that wasn’t registered to the house network. Impressive, really. But not enough.”

His hand dropped to his side. “What happened? What did your brother say?”

The pressure behind my eyes felt like a brewing storm. “Don’t.”

“Eva.” His voice was gentle, but it had that soft quality that hinted at an impending break. “You’re packing your things.” You’re about to disappear. Why?”

“You already know why.” I pushed past him—but he blocked the stairwell. Always one step ahead. Always in control.

“I let you into my world,” he said, not turning. “I gave you a safe place. Resources. You asked me to help him—”

“And you didn’t!” I snapped, the anger snapping loose like a whip. “You kept me here, playing house, dangling false promises. I can’t waste another second waiting for your next move. My brother is dying!”

His silence was worse than yelling.

I turned toward the front door.

He grabbed my arm.

“Don’t,” I said, my voice shaking now. “Let me go, Cassian.”

“You think running will save him?” he said, low. “You leave now, and you lose every card you’re holding. No more bargaining. No more leverage. You walk out that door, and you kill any chance you have to fix this.”

I stuffed the last piece of Liam’s folder into my bag and zipped it up. My fingers were shaking, but I brushed it off. I’d done what I had to do. The burner phone was tucked in my coat pocket; my scarf and sunglasses were ready. All I had to do now… was get out.

Down the hallway. Past the study. Through the main doors.

I reached for the handle.

“Going somewhere?”

Cassian’s voice stopped me cold.

I didn’t turn.

Not immediately. My heart pounded in my chest, but I held my ground.

Then I turned and faced him.

He casually leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed and his eyes giving away nothing.

“You forgot the contract,” he said quietly.

“I don’t care,” I replied.

Silence.

“All I care about is Liam.”